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'92 Nissan Maxima GXE 6cyl... worth fixing heads?


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TallSassyRed77
New User
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Nov 12, 2009, 12:32 PM

Post #1 of 6 (3491 views)
'92 Nissan Maxima GXE 6cyl... worth fixing heads? Sign In

'92 Nissan Maxima GXE 6cyl., approx. 200,000 miles (but the speedometer doesn't work anymore)

My poor car has been through a lot. A few accidents and many repairs in the past 6 years I've had it. About a month ago I was driving and started losing power, no response from the gas. I came to a stop and the car died slowly and wouldn't restart. Seemed not to be getting any fuel. I got a mechanic to come out and help me troubleshoot, he replaced the fuel pump and the car still wouldn't start. We tested for spark and got very little from the plugs... thought it might be a coil. Bought a compression test kit and found no compression across the heads. First spark plug looks pretty bad, probably blew down the line from there. My guy tells me it's going to need the head gaskets replaced and he'll do it for $200. It didn't work out for him and now that I'm back looking for a mechanic, some of them are telling me that it's not possible to do it right for $200, it will cost double to quadruple or more to fix it right the first time. I'm not willing to put more than $400 into it. If I have to invest $1000 I might as well get another used car, right?

I'm a mechanic's daughter but I am out of practice and hold a preference for big old American cars if I'm going to do the work. The last time I replaced a head gasket was on a '63 Chevy Impala, it was one piece and we did it in the driveway. I hate to say I'm at a loss here with this Nissan. I'm a single Mom and currently unemployed, this is making my life difficult and I'd like the best advice I can get. Thank you for your time.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Nov 12, 2009, 1:19 PM

Post #2 of 6 (3486 views)
Re: '92 Nissan Maxima GXE 6cyl... worth fixing heads? Sign In

Opinion: If you know your over $1k then I'd give up on a 200k Nissan,

T



chickenhouse
Enthusiast

Nov 12, 2009, 5:50 PM

Post #3 of 6 (3476 views)
Re: '92 Nissan Maxima GXE 6cyl... worth fixing heads? Sign In

R I P


Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran / Moderator
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Nov 12, 2009, 6:00 PM

Post #4 of 6 (3475 views)
Re: '92 Nissan Maxima GXE 6cyl... worth fixing heads? Sign In

TallSassyRed; Oh, the mental picture... The labor, alone, depending on which V6 you have, ranges from 7.7-13.7 hours and may require engine removal. The gasket set is over $400.00. Machine work on the heads (pressure test and resurface is another $200.00 if no valve problems. I think Chickenhouse said it best: RIP. Or, you could look into a low mileage used engine, but you are probably still looking at nearly $1000.00 in labor and misc. parts not to mention the cost of the used engine. Sorry.Unsure
Loren
SW Washington


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Nov 12, 2009, 7:06 PM

Post #5 of 6 (3471 views)
Re: '92 Nissan Maxima GXE 6cyl... worth fixing heads? Sign In

Both Loren and CH well said - RIP,

T



TallSassyRed77
New User
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Nov 16, 2009, 2:24 PM

Post #6 of 6 (3442 views)
Re: '92 Nissan Maxima GXE 6cyl... worth fixing heads? Sign In

Thanks guys... I really appreciate your advice. You are honored by me following it. I did the best thing and sold it to someone who needed the tranny. RIP






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